BINTULU: The Sarawak government is committed to helping complete several stalled projects in Sebauh, including the Kemena Bridge.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that the delayed construction of the bridge will resume soon.
He mentioned that the Public Works Department (PWD) had previously ended the contract with the original contractor and found a new contractor to continue the project.
“We are working hard to resolve this issue because it’s not just about money. The contractor’s ability has also contributed to the delay in completing the project in Sebauh, particularly the Kemena Bridge,” he said during a media briefing after welcoming the Sarawak Merdeka 60th Anniversary Convoy in the Bintulu Division today (June 11).
Therefore, the government has decided to terminate contracts with contractors who are unable to proceed with the work on various stalled projects.
He hopes that people will understand that the government will not abandon the project but will continue it, even if it requires additional expenses.
Rundi, who is also Kemena assemblyman, aims to finish constructing the bridge within one to two years once it resumes.
Meanwhile, he acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortage of workers have affected the progress of other projects in Sebauh, such as the construction of the Mini Sebauh Stadium, mosque, church, and roads.
Nevertheless, he satisfied with the performance of contractors who have successfully completed major projects like the Kuala Kemena-Jepak Bridge, which had a value of over RM400,000.
